Baseball - Head Coach

Matt Clingersmith

During his eight seasons at the helm, Niagara Falls native Matt Clingersmith has turned the Thunderwolves into one of the elite NJCAA Division III programs in the country.

Clingersmith has led NCCC to its only three NJCAA Division III World Series appearances, finishing 7th (2009), 2nd (2012) and 5th (2013). Those teams were all crowned Region III champions as well. He's had two other teams finish as Region III runners-up (2008 and 2011) and several teams ranked in the top 10 nationally, including his 2011 team, which was ranked No. 2 for six weeks. Clingersmith himself has been honored as the Regional Coach of the Year on four separate occasions (2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013).

Clingersmith has also done a tremendous job sending players on to four-year colleges and universities. During the last eight years, 39 players have moved on to NCAA or NAIA colleges or universities. Clingersmith's teams have also been recognized several times for holding the highest cumulative GPA among NCCC's intercollegiate athletic teams.

Following a standout career at Niagara Catholic, which included first team All-Western New York honors, Clingersmith moved on to Erie Community College. He helped the Kats to a Region III runner-up finish during his freshman campaign and then led them to a Region III title and a berth in the NJCAA Division III World Series as a sophomore. The lanky right-hander then earned a scholarship to NCAA Division I Canisius College and pitched two years for the Golden Griffins. Upon graduation, Clingersmith spent two years as on assistant on mentor Mike McRae's staff at Canisius.

Clingersmith holds a bachelors of science degree in physical education from Canisius and an associate's degree in liberal arts from ECC. He is currently working toward a master's degree in sport administration. He also continues to play competitively, leading his MUNY teams to four consecutive World Series appearances and a championship in 2011.